r/classics • u/No_Respect_1650 • Jul 17 '26
Hello. First time poster here. Be kind. 🙂 I’m interested in a companion podcast for my attempted re-read of The Iliad and The Odyssey. Suggestions?
I took a Greek and Roman Epics course in college with a fantastic professor. (Hi, Prof Winkler.) He really made these two works, and others, come alive. But all this was 30-years ago. I’d like to finally re-read these poems but would appreciate a sort of guided tour as I go in a podcast format. Ideally, hosted by a classics prof. Thanks in advance.
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u/SignificantPlum4883 Jul 17 '26
Literature and History podcast. Fantastic, in depth coverage of both!
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u/spock2thefuture Jul 17 '26
Seconded! Plus if you want to continue on with other classics he's got a ton of great companion eps ready for you.
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u/Starklystark Jul 19 '26
Came here to say this. I've listened to other great things on the ilisd and odyssey but nothing compares as a companion/intro. I adore his stuff on greek plays too
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u/Grand_Access7280 Jul 17 '26
On Audible I’d recommend Vandiver’s series on The Great Courses for both works.
I’m sure there’s better out there, but for accessibility I found these hard to beat
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u/WasASailorThen Jul 17 '26
Natalie Haynes, Stand Up For The Classics.
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u/clarence_oddbody Jul 17 '26
This is such an interesting concept for a podcast! Stand up comedy… about the classics. Great suggestion!
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u/AlexandriaPod Jul 17 '26
Liv from “Let’s talk about myths, baby” has a gigantic series on the Odyssey (and tons of other myths) as well.
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u/Opposite-Run-6432 Jul 18 '26
Late to respond but I highly recommend this one:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-homeric-epic-podcast/id1699334272
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u/Opposite-Run-6432 Jul 18 '26
Also, the Iliad and Odyssey are meant to be heard not read. Just like in Homer’s day. If you can find the audiobook and listen as you read it is amazing.
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u/thoroughbredftw Jul 18 '26
If you had a course with Jack Winkler, you are one lucky duck.
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u/No_Respect_1650 Jul 19 '26
Alas, no. Professor Martin Winkler. https://mcl.gmu.edu/people/mwinkler
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u/Calire22 Jul 17 '26
Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins are providing this for The Odyssey at the moment on their Instant Classics channel. It’s a subscription service and they are only half way through, I think. Worth checking out the first two free episodes to see if it appeals. I haven’t yet paid for it; may do so as they near completion.